The ghost town of Bodie lies just north of Mono Lake and a few miles from the California Nevada border. It has been a destination for photographers as far back as I can remember. I first visited Bodie in 1961 when I was seven years old, just one year before it became a State Park. I was not so much interested in photography then, but the memory of exploring the abandoned mines and buildings has remained with me all my life. I have returned to Bodie many times since. Today the ghost town of Bodie is preserved in a “state of arrested decay” by the California Department of Parks and Recreation as Bodie State Historic Park.
The ghost town consists of more than 100 buildings spread over a hillside. What is left of the town is only a small percentage of the former 2,000 buildings. Among the derelict structures you will find a bank, church, barber shop, saloons, school, pharmacy, hotels, and other buildings. There is also an old stamp mill looming over the deserted town as well as abandoned mine equipment scattered about the park.
Because of the abundance of photographic opportunities, visiting Bodie as a photographer can be overwhelming. Be sure to bring a wide angle lens for architectural photos as well as your macro lens to record the detail in the rust and weathering wood. From the entry road and from the cemetery on the hill a telephoto lens can provide a compressed perspective of the town.
Since Bodie is a state park, opening hours for the public are from 8 AM to 6 PM. In addition, you must follow all the rules and regulations. The building interiors are off limits to the public.
I recommend signing up for a workshop to get the best Bodie photography experience. Permitted workshops are allowed in the park when it is closed to the public. Being in one of these workshops will get you into the park during the golden hours at sunrise and sunset. Many workshops include staying after sunset for some night photography. In addition, permitted groups have limited access to the interiors of some of the buildings.
Check out my Bodie Workshop page (Here) or contact the Bodie foundation (www.bodiefoundation.org). Participation in a workshop guarantees the opportunity to get some unique photographs. Additionally, a portion of your workshop fee goes to help fund the Bodie Foundation in its efforts to preserve Bodie for future generations.
For a photographer, Bodie, California is a treasure trove of visual inspiration and opportunities. The well-preserved ghost town offers a glimpse into the past along with a wealth of subjects to capture.
The abandoned buildings, crumbling structures, and other relics are perfect subjects for capturing the mood and feeling of a historic location. Photographers can experiment with capturing the textures and details of the weathered wood and stone structures, as well as the contrast between the bright blue sky and the warm, earthy tones of the buildings.
The town’s unique lighting conditions, with bright sunlight during the day and long shadows in the afternoon, provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning images. Photographers can experiment with different angles and perspectives, from capturing the entire town from a high viewpoint, to focusing on the details of individual buildings.
The town’s atmosphere, with its quiet, desolate streets and abandoned buildings, creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that is perfect for capturing moody, atmospheric images. Photographers can play with the contrast between the bright sunlight and the dark interiors of the buildings to create evocative, haunting images.
Overall, Bodie, California is a photographer’s dream destination, offering a wealth of visual inspiration and endless opportunities for capturing the beauty and history of the Wild West.
